Nine data centres in Johor completed, six others in progress, says exco rep

JOHOR BARU: A total of nine data centre projects have been completed in Johor, while six others are in the process of completion, says Lee Ting Han.

The Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman said that the state has become a key player in the development of data centres in the region due to several key advantages.

“Among the factors that have made Johor ideal for the development of data centres include its strategic location, the availability of utilities, infrastructure and human resources, as well as the investor-friendly approach of the state and federal governments.

“As of June this year, nine data centre projects with a combined capacity of 1,280 megawatts have been completed in the state, while six other projects with an estimated capacity of almost 1,490 megawatts are in the process of being completed.

“On top of that, there are 30 other projects that are in discussion and approval level,” he said in a statement here on Thursday (June 20).

Lee added that in view of the rapid growth, the state government has taken some steps to ensure that the development of data centres is being properly planned and that it will benefit the locals.

“As such, the state government and the Johor Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) have come out with guidelines.

“This will act as a guide for local councils and agencies involved in the coordination and monitoring of data centres,” he said.

He added that he had chaired the first meeting of the Johor data centres coordination and development committee on Wednesday (June 19), where several key matters were discussed.

“The committee has decided that data centres in Johor should focus on the use of renewable technology capable of saving electricity and water,” he said, adding that the state government will continue sticking to its investor-friendly policy.